NEW ULM — The New Ulm Public School Board of Education unanimously approved a two-year, 8.9% overall increase in the New Ulm Education Association (NUEA) Master Agreement for 2025-2027 Thursday.

Superintendent Sean Koster said the Oct. 27 agreement supports teaching staff who experienced rising insurance costs over the past two years and keeps the school district’s early educator pay scale competitive.

“I’m happy to support staff needs for health insurance. The school district continues to balance staff needs with long-term vitality of the district,” Koster told the board. “I think this agreement reflects that commitment. I think it’s a very healthy contract for our staff and to retain staff.”

According to the agreement, Dist. 88 agrees to match employee contributions to the district’s 403-B (tax-advantaged retirement savings) Plan by an additional $100 per year. The maximum amount the district will match for an employee over their career rose from $25,000 to $40,000.

The base pay schedule rose from $49,482 to $50,681 annually for Step 1 teachers with a BA degree in 2025-26 and to $52,201 in 2026-27.

The there were no board member questions on the agreement.

Action came on a motion by board member Sarah Leslie, seconded by Christine Dewanz.

Koster told the board to read a new policy up for review, Policy 470 – Employee Use of Social Media.

“The policy is intended to guide staff toward safe and professional use of social media, using secure, district-approved platforms when communicating with students,” said Koster.

He said the policy strengthens a consistent and safe online environment for students, staff and families, keeps student communication inside secure platforms the district can monitor, protects private and confidential student and district information and ensures staff acts to address inappropriate or unsafe online behavior.

Koster said he will provide more policy information at the December board meeting.

The board unanimously approved final grant awards of $800 of the State Street Theater Summer Camp, $1,600 for Summer Rec on the Go at New Ulm parks, $800 for Pro Kinship for Kids summer trips and $1,120 for the Milford 4-H Bags of Joy project grant.